The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) discussed committee assignments for 2025 on Monday, Dec. 16.
The board confirmed Commissioner-elect Rachel Grant's roles, formerly known as Rachel Dreon, while postponing the selection of a representative to the Opioid Abatement Council until January.
The board also agreed to implement a rotational system for attending Fair Board meetings in order to enhance the involvement of commissioners.
Grant, who announced her recent marriage and name change in a recent Thurston County press release, will be sworn into office on Dec. 17.
Commissioner Tye Menser introduced the finalized committee assignments, reflecting input and trades among commissioners to balance workloads.
“When everybody saw the layout, Commissioner Mejia had a bunch of really good suggestions, and Commissioner Clouse and Grant traded. So anyway, I think we’ve got the latest and greatest iteration,” Menser said. “There’s a couple of yellow spots ... but we’re close, I think.”
Menser outlined the workload distribution, noting Commissioner Clouse carried the heaviest committee responsibilities due to her decision to retain the Law and Justice Committee.
Commissioners Wayne Fournier, Carolina Mejia and Grant had balanced workloads following the adjustments.
As announced in the work session, Grant, who will assume office on Jan. 1, was appointed to two significant roles:
Mejia volunteered to serve as the alternate for the Area Agency on Aging.
Grant’s appointment to the BHASO came after Clouse stepped back from the position. Clouse endorsed Grant for the role, highlighting her qualifications and experience as a strong fit.
“I gave up the BHASO. I think Commissioner-elect Grant will do a wonderful job at that,” Clouse said. “Her background and experience aligned beautifully with that, and I think she’ll do a great job.”
Meanwhile, the BoCC delayed appointing a representative to the Opioid Abatement Council, which oversees opioid crisis funding, as the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) governing its operations is still being finalized.
Mejia recommended Grant for the role.
“My recommendation would be for Commissioner Grant to be the primary on that one,” Mejia said. “I know the ILA is still being worked on, but just based on her experience, I think my preference would be for her.”
Clouse expressed her desire to retain the position, citing her experience with opioid-related issues.
“The Opioid Abatement Council is one other way that I have ... that I’m able to participate in matters related to the opioid crisis,” Clouse said.
“It’s something that I care about a lot, and I also have a lot of experience working professionally in that area, so I would like to keep that.”
Commissioner-elect Grant, attending remotely, suggested postponing the decision.
“I definitely have interest in that,” Grant said. “I think I would be more interested in waiting till January to kind of have that discussion, if possible.”
The commissioners agreed to revisit the matter in January.
Menser suggested waiting until the ILA is finalized before making a decision.
Turning to another matter, Commissioner Mejia proposed a rotational system for attending Fair Board meetings to strengthen commissioner engagement with the volunteer-led group.
“It would be great for each of the commissioners to have a relationship with the Fair Board, to kind of hear what they’re working on, hear the progress that they’re making, and see that there is investment from the full Board into the Fair Board and the work that they’re doing,” Mejia said.
She noted that the timing of meetings was a factor, as they are held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., which is later than regular meetings.
Menser supported the proposal and tasked staff with developing a plan.
“I think that’s great,” Menser said. “I think it provides the opportunity for all commissioners to stay in the middle of what’s going on with the fair, provide their perspectives and build relationships.”
The BoCC is expected to finalize the 2025 committee assignments and revisit the appointment to the Opioid Abatement Council after Commissioner-elect Grant officially joins the board in January.
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mJ_Jolt24
Does anyone else find the irony in the fact that "Commissioner Clouse ...decision to retain the Law and Justice Committee." - what is the status of the Recall Action?
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Report this